Community Forums

Wbonsell · 12-22-2014, 10:10 AM

We have a very new Dynasty Queen short memory foam mattress. When washing the sheets for the first time since we have been out (Thanksgiving), we noticed that the underside of the mattress was wet, especially the platform, and mold was in fact developing on the material the mattress is encased in.

We initially thought the moisture was from window condensation but have determined that is not the case. The mattress sits on a solid foundation with storage underneath. We love the mattress but regardless of the source of the moisture we are baffled as to how to deal with this. The thought of a tradition mattress is not appealing. But mold growth is nothing to ignore!

The underneath storage is fully utilized. I wonder about dry-ez or something similar. We have been in pretty much clouds and rain for almost a month so,the atmosphere has been damp. Any thoughts or suggestions is appreciated.

TN Bill · 12-22-2014, 11:37 AM

I keep a dehumidifier running in my Brave when it is not in use.

dvmweb · 12-22-2014, 11:46 AM

Could be from perspiration. And, condensation. Our last MH did that and I just propped the end of the mattress up with a box for ventilation. I keep two small electric ceramic heaters on low to keep the humidity from condensing.

2013 FleetWood Expedition 38B

JMonroe · 12-22-2014, 12:55 PM

Are you using a mattress cover under the sheet? If no water is getting in, you're bringing it.

Tha_Rooster · 12-22-2014, 01:13 PM

I'd say you have to have water to have moisture and its trapped under the mattress for some reason. Do you have any plastic covering mattress?

TQ60 · 12-22-2014, 01:38 PM

Outside the box...

They make plastic board that looks like cardboard as it has 2 layers with corrogated part inside.

Used for packing between batteries on pallets and signs.

You could get some of this the size of bed then drill lots of holes before placing it under matriss

It will allow air in there via the gap in the middle.

Holes only one side then blocks from that side another option.

Need to find source and determine how to block path or remove it

PeaceOwl · 12-22-2014, 01:53 PM

I was just reading about the moisture problem in my new RVs guide. What they warned was when in high moisture areas use a dehumidifier or even dry-ez, and make sure the coach has an outlet for fresh air. Hot enclosed areas produce moisture, more so than a home due to the small area and non natural materials.

My only other recall was when a carpet cleaner service told us to never dry the carpet out with hot air because it causes mold, to use cool air fans only . Good luck, and I hope it's just a winter thing!

Wbonsell · 12-22-2014, 01:59 PM

Seems to be a problem that affects boaters too. Warm bodies and warm exhaled air meets a cool bedroom and platform and condenses. Found a product called hypervent from a boating source which might work. Currently have mattress propped up and a fan running. Maybe we need to keep the room warmer at night. Also the storage area under the bed platform has no vents. May cut a few holes for air circulation. And treat the mattress and platform with a 50/50 mix of water and bleach.

Bamaman · 12-22-2014, 02:29 PM

If your unit is that new, it could be that the materials (both wood and foam) still have moisture in them when they were manufactured.

When the weather gets dry, you may want to put your mattress out in the sun to dry. But again, that may take quite sometime since you live in the Pacific Northwest.

Gocoffeer · 12-22-2014, 02:46 PM

I think the foam... had the moisture trapped on it from the time you purchased it. They are shipped over from China....most likely not well handled...have different layers of foam types inside and I bet one of the layers has the trapped moisture. I will agree with anyone stating that a good dehumidification is worthy.

lynnmor · 12-22-2014, 05:08 PM

Water vapor inside the unit will condense into a liquid when the dew point is reached. Insulation with a vapor barrier towards the heated side should fix the problem.

Dogpatch · 12-22-2014, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wbonsell

We have a very new Dynasty Queen short memory foam mattress. When washing the sheets for the first time since we have been out (Thanksgiving), we noticed that the underside of the mattress was wet, especially the platform, and mold was in fact developing on the material the mattress is encased in.

We initially thought the moisture was from window condensation but have determined that is not the case. The mattress sits on a solid foundation with storage underneath. We love the mattress but regardless of the source of the moisture we are baffled as to how to deal with this. The thought of a tradition mattress is not appealing. But mold growth is nothing to ignore!

The underneath storage is fully utilized. I wonder about dry-ez or something similar. We have been in pretty much clouds and rain for almost a month so,the atmosphere has been damp. Any thoughts or suggestions is appreciated.

Here is an article I found on cause.

Why Is It Damp Under My Memory Foam Mattress?

twogypsies · 12-23-2014, 09:45 AM

Another thing to look at: Is the moisture problem under the whole mattress or just at the top where it touches the wall?

In a previous RV where the insulation wasn't great, every morning the top of the mattress was damp that was touching the wall and when pulled away from the wall I could feel dampness on the wall itself.

From then on we kept the mattress a inch or so away from the wall when sleeping and in the morning we moved it out 6" or so to air out. This solved the problem of the mattress itself getting damp. However, if your problem is under the whole mattress you probably have another problem. The above linked article is interesting.

Gerryl · 12-23-2014, 06:23 PM

Thanks for that link Dogpatch.

This is a new and possibly problematic subject for a lot of us. I am going to get into my MH on Saturday (its covered) and I will be sure to check the mattress and the memory foam topper for dampness. This is the first year for the topper. Sure don't want to see mold under there in the spring. I will also find some way to prop it up so it can get some air.